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inside – Ash Wednesday @poetryjoy.com

March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 / Joy Lenton

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← inside: how Ash Wednesday reminds us of God’s grace

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Hello, welcome to my blog! It’s good to share life’s poetic rhythms with you here

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What would it involve to be able to live lightly and freely, unshackled from the world’s passions and demands and tethered close to Jesus instead? How can we break free from our drive to succeed, and experience soul liberty? In seeking greater soul simplicity there are some complex questions to consider. They shake us out of our comfort zone and throw us into the spiritual soul freedom of flying by the seat of our pants. Because where there are fewer constraints on our souls we are let loose to rise and to grow. The answers do not lie in ourselves but in God, in the wisdom we find in his Word. As we dig deep, we see how simple it is. Even if it asks everything of us and impacts how we act, think and live. Yet in a mindful reading of Scripture, a deeper inner hunger to know more develops in our souls. We discover that abiding in Christ is just the beginning of a soul simplicity adventure style of life. #faith #trust #abiding #freedom #simplicity #wordsofjoy

To be given “restore” as my word for the year after a lengthy health relapse, when I had to lay aside my writing life and blogs for several months, is a huge encouragement to me. It suggests some discomfort, of course, but it speaks of change for the better as well. How might it look? I’m not sure yet. It could lead to foundational change or a measure of healing, perhaps. Although I’m already aware that my ability to write here, and my creativity in general, is beginning to bloom again. For which I am truly thankful! I want to encourage you to listen for a “word” or phrase of your own from God. Don’t be afraid to ask. He loves to hear from us and direct our paths, and a defining theme for the year helps with that aim. Having had “words” for several years, I can testify to them being helpful and encouraging. #restore #oneword365 #faith #listening #prayer #hope #encouragement #wordsofjoy

Whenever we get discouraged at the slow progress we seem to be making, it’s good to remind ourselves that God never gives up on us. Sometimes we sense our foundations shifting or the fabric of our lives requiring renovation and change. But whether we’re aware of it or not, He is continually working on our behalf, creating greater Christ-likeness in us. #faith #restore #restoration #alteration #change #worksinprogress #wordsofjoy

I wrote these words as a reminder to myself because alongside increased physical depletion, soul darkness has been my companion for months. And as I finally come out blinking into the light, it's helpful to realise it's never as far away as we might think. Even the darkness of our minds and hearts is not dark to God because He can transform and fill them with His incandescent light, grace and love. May that give you hope if you're struggling today. #seekthelight #restinGod #beatpeace #faith #trust

When I think about what makes me smile, helps calm my soul and brings me joy and peace, then views of clouds, sky, trees and water fit the bill perfectly. They are also a tremendous inspiration for my poetic expression. What does it for you? #sky #clouds #trees #water #lake #soulsimplicity #peace

As I watched this squirrel speeding across the grass, I partly envied her energy and partly wondered if she knew how to slow. Because it’s not laziness to slide softly into a new year, a new decade. Rather, it’s a wise move for our souls. We’ve just had a season of excessive consumption, busyness and celebration so it makes sense to cut ourselves a little slack as we enter January. Instead of focusing on change, how about accepting ourselves just as we are? A bit of gentle self-care to nurture our flagging souls might be the greatest benefit of all. Be more tortoise than squirrel or hare, perhaps. Just a thought... 😉🐢🐿🐇

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